Stewart-Haas Racing officially announces Quicken Loans as new sponsor

On Tuesday, Stewart-Haas Racing officially announced a major new partnership for Ryan Newman's No. 39 Chevy in 2012, wrapping up one of the few open elements of the core Stewart-Haas Racing teams.

Quicken Loans Inc., the nation's largest online retail mortgage lender, will be the primary sponsor for Newman's team in nine races, and will serve as associate sponsor on all other races. Quicken Loans will also serve as an associate sponsor of Tony Stewart's No. 14 Office Depot/Mobil 1 Chevy in 2012.

Quicken will initiate its partnership this weekend with a wood-themed paint scheme honoring the upcoming Quicken Loans Carrier Classic. (You can check out the hardwood version of Newman's Texas car right here, via SB Nation's Jeff Gluck. Dig that fine wood grain!) The Quicken Loans Carrier Classic sounds appropriately awesome: a Veteran's Day basketball game on the flight deck of the U.S.S. Carl Vinson between Michigan State and North Carolina.

The significance of this deal is obvious: it bring a new sponsor into NASCAR in an extensive arrangement. Stewart has been searching for sponsorship for Newman's car for most of the season, and this will come as a welcome addition to SHR's coffers.